The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead // Too Much Befuddlement, Not Enough Glitter

Now I am a HUGE fan of glitter, so I expected to enjoy The Glittering Court. Unfortunately it a) had no real glitter which is hugely sad because it’d be great to utilise as a weapon, and b) it was slower than an uncaffeinated snail working in a peanut butter factory. Which is to say I was bored and felt like napping. And confused? Yes. I was confused. It’s likeThe Selection meets the Wild West…which is a weird combination. Plus it’s a fantasy…but a very confusing fantasy, because I seriously didn’t understand the world.

It should’ve had a map. That would’ve solved a LOT of problems, sheesh.

(Also: I confess, I haven’t read the author’s famed Vampire Academy books, but I did read Soundless and had a lot of unhappy opinions about it.)

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE STORY

Meet Adelaide, the Countess of a bankrupt estate. Her grandma is marrying her off to some duke dude with compulsive itching and a lot of money.

Adelaide: “I REFUSE TO MARRY A MAN I HAVEN’T MET.”

Adelaide: *runs away to enter a competition to marry a man she’s never met*

YOU LOST ME THERE, BOB.

So Adelaide dashes off to this “finishing school” that turns bedraggled girls into proper lades and then — WAIT FOR IT — sends them off to the “New World” to be sold to prospective rich husbands. I assume it was attempting a “dowry” vibe. But dude. They were sold.

Adelaide accomplishes this with help of THEDASHING CEDRIC THORN. He probably helped her because she’s beautiful. Or maybe he likes her hair. I don’t know. But he keeps her secret and ergo is the love interest.

Then it spins away from jewels and pretty gowns and Victorian tea parties to THE WILD WILD WEST. Gold mines and “savages” (except the “savages” are Scottish-ish with tartan kilts? But also American? So? Um yeah) and pioneer things.

I AM OFFICIALLY BEFUDDLED.

#halp

Basically I was very bewildered. I felt like the book didn’t know what it was. Fantasy? Religious cult story? Wild west? A bookish version of the Bachelor?????? On top of that, it had many different countries and races and they all BLURRED together from the lack of world building.

Plus I just don’t understand why Adelaide did this. SHE BASICALLY RAN AWAY FROM MARRIAGE TO MARRIAGE. Wut.

The story is, also, 100% sexist. I mean, I kind of get it? It reads like a period drama, so historically — women are only thought of us as needing to be pretty and pleasing for their dude. Most of the dudes are dumb brutes. Etc. Etc. But it didn’t resolve any of that particularly? Adelaide never fought against it. So isn’t that condoning it?

“Mister Thorn has made it all sound very lovely,” she replied. “But I kind of feel like some trinket being bought and sold.”“Women always feel that way,” I said.

Also did I mention…THE WOMEN ALL GET SOLD TO THEIR HUSBANDS.

It also didn’t feel very YA. With it mostly being about marriage and acting “proper”, it tooootally didn’t come across as YA to me. Adelaide acted like she was in her 20s. But that saying — period books aren’t my THING. So! Remember reviews are subjective!

For me, it didn’t work out. It was super slow and I’m not a period drama fan…plus Adelaide was one apple short of a pie with her logic. ERGO “LACK OF LOGIC”. But if you like forbidden romance and finishing schools and duchesses and pretty dresses — YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!

(Still sad about the missed opportunity for glitter bombs, also….)

(And seriously, I think the cover is pretty…but her eyes ARE SO INTENSE. I had to turn it over when I wasn’t reading because she was JUDGING ME.)

THANK YOU TO PENGUIN AUSTRALIA FOR THE REVIEW-COPY. The Glittering Court (#1) by Richelle Mead was published April, 2016.

To escape an arranged marriage, Adelaide, an Osfridian countess, must pose as a servant and join the Glittering Court—a school designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She managers to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together, they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise—first, as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and later, when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor. But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands . . .

do you think glitter should be utilized as a weapon? (I mean c’mon, it NEVER COMES OFF.) and are you a fan of this author?! should i try more of her books? and what do you think about genre mashups (in this case period drama / fantasy / wild west)?? yay or nay?

Comments

YES GLITTER IS THE MOST DANGEROUS THING of ever. All crafters know this. I read Vampire Academy # 1 and it was really weird. Lots of people kissing and drinking blood, sometimes simultaneously. So yeah, this isn’t up my alley at all. I do love mashups– for example, the Cecelia Wrede and Caroline Stervermeer YA, which is called the Enchanted Chocolate pot (magic + regency) was great, but you do get into complicated and problematic territory with portrayal of women: should they all be angry badasses or more realistic and meek or something else. thanks for the review, though I don’t think I’ll read this.

GLITTER KNOWS NO BOUNDS. It stays around for years. It’s indestructible. I’m sure whoever invented it is sitting back and laughing deviously. Ahhhhem.
I HAVEN’T READ ANY MASHUPS UNTIL THIS BOOK. *cries* Which is maybe a reason it threw me so much? Because I’m not used to it? But I genuinely think it was an odd combo here. ERgh.
Hhmm, yeah. I definitely don’t know how it’s best to portray women, in this kind of era, when they’re brought up to believe they’re less…so I GET IT. In a way. But with everyone just being totally okay with it??!???? Nope. I cannot.

I HATE GLITTER. *shrieks like a deranged chicken* Yes, it can make a lovely weapon! I don’t like this when it gets on my hands or anywhere. Pesky stuff, I say.
I haven’t read any of Richelle Mead’s books. I tend to stay as far away from books with vampires and I haven’t read Soundless due to the reviews. So I’m utterly blank? 😛
I don’t think I’ll be reading this book either but that cover is gorgeous! Period dramas… *racks brain to know if she has read any* I don’t know what to say! I don’t think I’ve read any? I’ll have to try reading one!

GLITTER IS THE STUFF OF EVILNESS AND VILLAINY. Hence I like it. MWahahhaha. But seriously I did a glitter craft with preschoolers like 5 years ago and I’m probably still wearing the evidence. That stuff NEVER LEAVES.
Ahem.
I do so like the cover at least. 😂 Except for how intense her stare is. SERIOUSLY IT’S VERY VERY INTENSE. Ahem. Or maybe I just felt judged by the cover-girl for disliking the book? #legit

Hmm, I’ve yet to read any of Richelle Mead’s books, but they have been on my mental list of books to look out for in case the library decides to read my mind and buy ALL the books. I was seriously considering reading the Glittering Court, but now I am kind of stunned about the being sold of to the husband thing. Um, what? It’s kind of strange and weird and unethical, in my opinion.
Anyway, I am all for genre mashes if they’re done properly! If the author makes the mash make sense rather than shoved in there ‘just because’ it could be awesome and unique, but if not…it’s like a bad time travelling book where they don’t travel. (Not sure if that last statement made sense. I blame school for making me tired). 😀

Libraries NEED to work on their mind reading skills, tbh. WHAT EVEN IS THEIR EXCUSE, SERIOUSLY. Ahem.

Omg, this book is full of unethical things. 😂 I get that a lot of it is trying to be more “historically accurate” (which is still bizarre for a fantasy world anyway????) but a lot of it just didn’t sit right with me AT ALL. Particularly the buying-of-wives. Ugh.

Oh oh it did make sense! 😂 I read a time travelling book where they didn’t travel all that much…WHICH IS WEIRD, BECAUSE C’MON. THAT’S SUPPOSED TO BE THE POINT. Ahem. But anyway! I haven’t read a lot of mashups, honestly, so maybe that’s another reason this didn’t sit well with me?

THIS REVIEW IS EVERYTHING
I read this a little while ago, even though I didn’t really like Vampire Academy towards the end but i wanted to give the author another chance to woo me with her books, you know?
I was disappointed although, i didn’t know why…exactly. Your review is literally all the reasons why because a) I don’t like anything western (sorry?) b) selling humans for marriage or whatever else is so completely wrong and it doesn’t sit well with me, c) NO GLITTER (I didn’t even realise until I read your review that the glitter hadn’t been involved).

I don’t think i’ll be reading more from this author…I’ve been let down too many times?
Also, mashups are GREAT in my opinion, if they’re done right and as long as there aren’t too many genres or things involved. Fantasy, western and period drama (?) seems like a bit much to me.

AHHHH I’M GLAD WE ARE IN AGREEMENT. *shares cakes with you* Tbh, the no-glitter thing is the most devastating. I guess they sparkled occasionally with the jewels and stuff BUT WHERE WERE MY GLITTER CATASTROPHES. THE TITLE PROMISED. *pouts*

(And I’m still really disturbed by the whole selling thing. Ugh.)

And honestly I have NOT read enough genre-mash-up books!! GASPS. I think maybe that’s why this threw me a lot too, because I’m not used to mashups???

Cait, I had a lot expectations for this book, but yeah, it doesn’t seem like I’m going to be reading this anytime soon. I’ve read Vampire Academy and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, and they were good. The Vampire Academy books are what got me into reading, actually *flashback*

And genre mashups are awesome when they’re done right! But period drama and wild west seems like a bit too much.

Really glad you felt the same as me Cait! I think it’ll be two stars from me too – such a slow novel, and I really don’t care for any of the characters….plus the whole Wild West thing feels so out of place. Safe to say I’m not liking, glad to know I’m not alone!

I really enjoyed it (though, I do agree with a lot of your points) so it’s interesting to read an almost opposite opinion. It was definitely weird and a little plot-holey that she ran away from a life of being married off to some stranger for money and to strengthen the family for uhm, essentially the same thing – that was a bit odd.

I did ship Cedric and Adelaide though, and I loved that it was a weird mish-mash of genres, especially the Wild West part.

I’m glad you liked it, though, Rosie!! It’s always more fun to love a book, right?! ;D But yeeeeah, I just wonder truly what the motivation for running-away-to-still-marry-a-man-she’s-never-met. I mean, just the decision of it, I guess?? But it befuddled me. 😂

Hahaha this review is great. You may say reviews are subjective but you raise a lot of very objective issues here!

I promised myself I’d never read another Mead book because I translated half of her Bloodlines series (a spinoff of Vampire Academy) and they were just so bad. So, so bad. When you work on a text as a translator, you have to take it apart down to the smallest building blocks and that’s when all the problems and inconsistencied really pop out. I know she has an almost cult following but her books are just not for me.

Woooah, you were translating her books?! THAT IS REALLY COOL THOUGH. 😂 Even if it made you realise they weren’t so good. hehe. Omg, but YES she does have a wild fanbase. Which is awesome and wonderful. I’m actually surprised I have disliked both Mead books I’ve read, considering how famous the author is. Eeek. MY BAD. 😂

Oh lordy, I read your Goodreads updates as you were reading it, and I KNEW this was not the book for me. Unlike you, I’d read Vampire Academy, and it started SO well, but then.. imagine a plane falling 50,000 feet out of the sky nose first. Not good. I’m pretty scared to be trying anything different from her whatsoever in the future for that reason.. SCAREDY CAT ME.

Great review! I have not read this book and honestly I don’t feel like reading it for the same reason why I’m never going to read the Selection: the whole ‘several woman in a competition to get the guy’ feels soooooo weird to me, like WHY. Find a man that will fight for your heart ladies! I watched the Bachelor once and it made my inner feminist come out so bad, I just can’t.

Yeeeeah, I agree. I mean, I didn’t mind the Selection when I read it a few years ago? BUT THE PREMISE SEVERELY IRKS ME. I cannot stand watching any of the TV shows like this either. It’s like fundamentally WRONG to have girls competition for a guy. Gah.

I don’t really think I’m allowed an opinion on genre mash-ups, since I’m currently plotting out a gothic horror-style sports story. I do think that people should be experimental with genre, but it is something that’s difficult to do well – you have to keep the feel of both genres, or at least a few of the key tropes and blend them together into something vaguely enjoyable.

hehe, fair enough! 😂 I think it IS cool when writers experiment, too, and tbh, this is like one of my first genre mashup experiences, so maybe I’m just an uncultured swine and didn’t appreciate it? I feel like mashups need to have SOME consistency though. Instead of rapidly just flipping a switch?

I haven’t read this book, but I feel like this is the best review ever. I was also completely confused after the explanation of the book. I really enjoyed the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead -but I read it 3 years ago. And I enjoyed her Georgina Kincaid series, but that’s adult urban fantasy. I especially loved the part when you said she wanted to escape an arranged marriage and fled into another. IT MAKES NO SENSE. By the way, I can personally agree that glitter would be a fantastic weapon. It can blind you, and make you have to clean for 3 years if you spill it on the floor.

OMG THANKS, JOLIEN. 😂 I did have fun writing this….hehee. I kiiiiind of still plan to read VA? At some point? (Like my TBR is 9 million years high at the moment, so…it won’t be in the near future. BUT YEAH.)
Glitter has a million uses. It can even just be used for the frustration factor, right?! Because it never EVER EVER COMES OFF YOUR SKIN/CLOTHES.

Glitter would be the best weapon, that much is clear. Those idiot world leaders should do something about that.
I’m a fan of Richelle’s work, but somehow, neither Soundless nor this book ever appealed to me at all. I didn’t feel tempted to read this at all, and I’m even less now that I’ve read your review. I just know that the whole marriage-not-marriage deal would drive me nuts.

I AGREE. Like why hasn’t it been utilised yet?! What year is it and we STILL DON’T HAVE GLITTER WARFARE? *stamps foot*
Ahem.
I don’t really blame you for skipping, tbh. 😂 I’m finding Mead books too problematic honestly, eeegh.

I think this is the book for our read-a-long this month and I was super pumped because IT”S RICHELLE MEAD but I saw mixed reviews about this one so I’m gonna lower my expectations ( ya know it might not end up well). Awesome review, Cait!

First of all, the glitter bombs sound like a fantastic to make any disagreement/war more fabulous. I’ve always loved glitter. It’s like a weird friend that once it’s there, NEVER goes away, and years later you’re still finding pieces of said friend.

I like genre mashups (mostly). Right now I’m writing a fantasy/mystery/suspense in modern day London. One of my favorite books is a dystopian with high society and murder. Putting different genres together is a good way to make things new in the book interesting. It gives things a more unique feel. All that being said, I have read some awful genre mashups. They were trying to do too much, and so it came off as overpacked and confusing and just…BLEH. XD

YES. More books should use glitter because of the fabulous factor. AND THE WARFARE. Glitter warfare needs be a thing. It’d be fabulous and terrifying and it would NEVER END. Ahem. Although “finding pieces of said friend” had me cracking up. 😂 DISTURBING IMAGE, THANKS FOR THAT.

And I totally agree that there are TONS of positives to genre mashups! I wrote one: dystopian + dragons. I think it needs to kind of fit together though? Instead of like having wild mood swings within the mashups? But I DON’T KNOW. 😂 By the time The Glittering Court flipped over to being a western, I was already bored/10000% done with it. 😛

Firstly, glitter shall always and forever be a weapon. IT JUST NEVER LEAVES, OKAY? I swear I still have clothes with glitter from a year ago. XD

Eesh, you mean the women get sold to their husbands?? BLEGH. Seriously not cool. >.> And the whole cult thing just doesn’t sit well with me. AND THE GENRE MASHUP IS SO BIZARRE. Basically, this book looks really odd. (Though I must admit that I rather like the cover…even if that girl is staring at me.)

I think genre mashups can be really good, if handled tastefully. I actually love the idea of mixing different genres together. I don’t think I’ve really read any books with that before? BUT NOW I WANT TO. Maybe…maybe I should write one. Ooh, the ideas are already forming. THANKS FOR SETTING THE PLOT BUNNIES LOOSE. I JUST GOT THEM IN THEIR PEN AND NOW THEY’RE HOPPING MADLY ABOUT THE HOUSE. 😛

ABSOLUTELY I AGREE. Glitter is eternal. Even after the apocalypse there will still be glitter.

YES this book is an odd one basically. 😂 I think genre mashups CAN be really cool too?!? But I think they have to be more…focused. Or something. hehe. 😂 This was just too much of TWO wildly different things that didn’t seem to fit together at all. :/

I go to this book club where sometimes you get ARCs in exchange for sending in reviews or blurbing it for the bookstore, and this one popped up, and I was super excited because I somehow managed to be the one that got it, but it just wasn’t that good. I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED. Especially because I traded another member for it!

But yes, I feel like this book was very…problematic. Like the whole going from arranged marriage to arranged marriage thing. And the actual selling of the woman. And the fact that since Adelaide was caught kissing another guy she was now considered “used goods?” I am so tired of sexist epic fantasies, and this one really takes the cake.

Ugh, I HEAR YA. I got a surprise review-copy and initially I was pretty chuffed because I WANTED TO READ THIS. (But omg I was considering buying it *dies* I’m so glad I didn’t.) Very very problematic. And yes, it was VERY sexist. And while I can totally understand it if the characters fight it…they never did? I think? That’s what disturbs me. You can’t DO sexism like this and make the characters be okay and complacent with it. It sends a really sad message. 🙁

I am one who did love this book but I know there will be some who don’t and that is okay. I think there was a point to be made that she ran away from marriage to marriage. One she can come up with another plan and two if she has to marry she will have more of a choice. not a for sure man with a controlling mother. It was strange but I could she her desperate logic. I loved cedric. That is all i can say on that subject.

I actually appreciated and love the fact it went from jewels and glittering things to the wild wild west. I felt it was a new story within the story and it kept me on my toes. that was my favorite part of the book.

I think this book touches on things like sexism, “cult” religion, races and such to attack the way people view and discriminate of those things that are viewed as weaker or different. I like that too.

it did have more an adult feel than ya and maybe that was another thing I enjoyed about it.

I’m really glad you DID like it though!! And I’m sorry I didn’t. 🙁 And yes, she did have a BIT more choice with the marriage-in-the-competition. But she was still under major pressure to pick a husband right??? Plus the selling thing kind of seemed like slavery/prostitution a bit? But eh. I mean, I don’t know. *hides*

But this is why it’s good books are subjective and all so different, right?!? Someone will always love a book. 😂

Glitter is evil – there is no doubt. I had such high hopes for this book! I keep putting off getting it on my library list because of tepid reviews though. I admit I am a VA and Bloodlines fan. Both series definitely have their flaws, but Rose is a bad ass and Sydney really lives up to so much potential. So out of love for those silly vampires I am going to brave the Glitter one day!

I do like the Selection, duchesses (and countesses), and pretty dresses. Although I refuse to wear or own a dress. To much inconvenience. I like to admire pretty dress’s though. Glitter should be used as a weapon. Like, have you ever seen so much glitter that you are stunned? I feel that way sometimes when I watch Dancing With The Stars. That show sometimes has to much sequins. It is also true glitter never comes off, my mom works at a craft store and always has glitter on her. This book sounds interesting except for the wild west part. That sounds odd, and I only read wild west if it sounds extremely good or is written by an author I really like.

I TOTALLY AGREE! I kind of like gorgeous covers on books and that whole swishy jewelly sparkly thing? BUT me + wear a dress = no no no. I need to be prepared at ALL TIMES to fight zombies basically.
Glitter should be utilised for warfare SOMEHOW. Like especially for tracking. BECAUSE GLITTER NEVER LEAVES YOU. I think it’d be perfectly befuddling to enemies too, right? If cannons starting firing glitter or something. *nods*

Ok, so the answer is yes, Cait, YES. Glitter should be used as a weapon. As a young child (heck, I’m still part child…somewhere hidden in a tiny nook of my bitter soul), I often thought of sewing a pocket of glitter inside my coat so I could have it on hand to throw at people when the need might arise (which we all know is ALWAYS and EVER – you sneezed? oops, GLITTER, have some! and cheesecake). It’s pretty and it’s a weapon and probably more effective than squid ink, which I’ve also considered using…until I realized it’s futility in non-aqueous environments.

As for Richelle Mead I have not read any of her books and, to be honest, after this review I’m not sure I really want to. Although, simply for the sake of her a-m-a-z-i-n-g last name, which sort of makes me want to don a kilt and smash things with the hammer of Thor, I might just look into her other titles.

(I consider myself like a pretend adult? Because I STILL FEEL LIKE A CHILD. Ahem. I digress. 😂) But YES. You had grand childhood dreams and I approve. There is just so many uses for glitter, plus it never comes off, so some sci-fi-scientist-y person should utilize it as a tracking device.

Omg it makes you think of Thor. 😂 YOU ARE CRACKING ME UP. I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS, SQUEAKS.

I think this has got to be the best review I have read so far. Thank you for your wonderful insight into this book and its total lack of glitter bombs. Maybe you should write such a book, because the lack of glitter in literature is a serious failure on any author’s part. Also, your pictures of the book are stunning!

OMGGGG. I’M HONOURED. 😂 And dude, YES, I need to write glitter bombs into one of my books because it is a greatly under-utalised weapon and WE MUST FIX THIS.
(Awww thank you about the photos! It was a fun book to photograph at least. ;D)

Ack. I’m absolutely not a fan of the whole women-competing-for-husband thing, or the women-being-sold-to-husband thing either. I mean, the least you could do is invert the trope, instead of rehashing the same tired old sexist historical stereotypes. Gah. I enjoyed Mead’s earlier VA series – they were incredibly entertaining, but her latest works seem kinda meh.

DUDE YES. I would actually love to see the trope inverted. :O That would be interesting at least. 😂 Tbh, I just hate any sort of “selling” of people…and especially when it’s not contested?! Like when it’s a plot point and the characters hate it — I get that! But when the attitude is “aw, no harm!”…nope. Nopity nopey nope.

I just wanted to say how much I love your reviews – entertaining and (where necessary) cautionary. This one will save me from wasting hours of precious reading time. The Glittering Court sounds tediously similar to The Jewel and The Selection – now there’s four evenings of my life I’m never getting back!

And to be perfectly honest, even with this review, I’ll probably read the book just because there’s a character named Cedric in it. But in my defense, Cedric is the best name in the history of, like, ever! I freaking love it! (I have a character in another story named Cedric, except I spell it Sedrick AS IT SHOULD BE!) But anyway, that’s just one mild weird obsession that I have.

And if the book ends up good, I’ll take genre mashups. Heck, genre mashups that work out end up being my favorites anyway

OMG I UNDERSTAND THE LOVE OF A NAME. 😂 That’s me with every book ever that has a Thomas in it. I JUST HAVE A CRUSH ON THE NAME??? Ahem. Go read it then. *shoos you towards it* Tell me what you think. ;D

Glitter should totally be a weapon—I mean, people already use it to be deadly fabulous-looking, so why shouldn’t they make it even deadlier? I just can’t think of a way to pull it off.

I feel like genre mashups are tricky. You can’t do too many, and to me, it feels like they need to have at least one thing that ties all the stuff together. And characters need to be realistic to whatever setting they have; in real life, not everyone does what they’re supposed to, so it should be like that in books too.

YES. Fabulous and deadly < --- The best descriptor of the world. Why aren't more people utilising this????? Ahem.
I agree with your thoughts on genre mashups! *nods* I think it needs a lot of world building to make it tie together? Which...this didn't really have. eeek.

Aww…I’m sorry this was a disappointment for you Cait. 🙁 I can completely see where you’re coming from – the plot definitely sounds a bit confusing and I’m not sure it would be my cup of tea either. Thanks for sharing though and, as always, fabulous review! ♥

YESS GLITTER CAN BE USED AS A WEAPON. It’s terrible stuff smh. YAY TO GENRE MASH UPS. They are hard to get right, but when done perfectly, THEY ARE SO FREKAING AWESOME.
I think I might give The Glittering Court a try, as one of my favorite series of all time is about a finishing school. It’s called The Finishing School series by Gail Carriger, and it’s steampunk. It’s about this girl called Sophronia, and she’s sent to this finishing school by her mother because her mother wants Sophronia to be a lady, not a tomboy. Anyways, the school actually turns out to be an undercover operation school for training girls to be spies….they learn how to fight with knives and bladed fanes, how to fight were wolves and vampires, poison people with flowers, throw knives while curtsying, and all sorts of cool stuff, all the while being feminine and pretty. I LOVE IT SO MUCH PLEASEEE READ IT. The first book is called Etiquette and Espionage(it’s not the best one, so you have to read the second one before you can really decide whether or not you’ll continue)
Lol this comment turned into a book rec…..I’ll stop talking now.

I’m glad it still intrigues you! 😂 I honestly don’t want to yell at people “DON’T READ THIS BOOK” because reading is so so subjective, right?! So good luck if you do try it!!
I HAVE heard of The Finishing School series before! But not really much about it till now?! I’m intrigued. GIRLS TRAINING TO BE SPIES IS AWESOME. Kind of like Gallagher girls then?! 😂

Yeah I guess it’s sort of like Gallagher Girls……..but set in Victorian England, with a nice dose of steampunk. There’s also vampires and were wolves, which add a nice little supernatural touch to the story. Plus, the covers are fantastic *hugs them forever*

Important things first! Yes, of course glitter can be used as a weapon. Throw it in someone’s eyes and RUN AWAY. Ahem.

But, OMG this story sounds like it’s a bunch of contradictions. I’ve honestly never planned to read Richelle Mead – except for Soundless. (That’s the one with a WOC lead, right??) I tried reading VA but could not get through the first book, and it sounds a little like her writing has remained the same? There was something about the writing in VA that I couldn’t get past, and it seems like I won’t be able to get past it in any of her stories.

Big sigh, because I did hope Soundless at least would be good. It seemed promising.

EXACTLY. And they’ll never see again. ALSO they’ll shine in the dark and sparkle — which could be useful for finding enemies. *nods* ENDLESS EVIL USES FOR GLITTER. Ahem.

And eeek, I don’t even know if I should try VA or not. XD Like I kind of want to, at least for the first book? But two 2-star reads from this author isn’t really encouraging me. But I feel like a minority because so many people love her! (Soundless was a bit problematic for me…it had a bit of curing-disabilities themes which I felt wasn’t okay. *sighs*)

I have had a lot of people tell me about how good VA was, but I couldn’t get into it. But to each their own, right? I guess you could try it, and maybe DNF it if it’s not your cup of tea? (That’s what I wound up doing..)

But omg, really? That’s disappointing. I still might check it out, but I’m going to go in a little wary, so thank you for the warning!

TRUE! I truly struggle to DNF though. 😂 Proved by me making it through Glittering Court when I actually literally felt like mowing the yard with scissors instead of reading. -_- ahem. But I will at least try ONE VA book and see how I go *nods*

*scratches head”…w…what??? i’m so confuzzled by this book! i’ve never read any of richelle mead’s books, but everyone raves about vampire academy. i wonder if her writing has significantly changed or if our tastes just have as we’ve grown older and more selective as reviewers? this is her second book/series i’ve heard bad reviews on though and at 21, i’m still suffering from the MASSIVE vampire burnout from when i was 13 (scarred for life, is more like it), so i don’t know if i’ll be picking up vampire academy any time soon…

Omg bu “confuzzled” is my NEW FAVOURITE WORD. I LOVE IT. (And it perfectly encapsulates this book tbh. 😂) Ahem. I haven’t read the Vampire books either so I honestly don’t know! I’ve heard people say her style is changing a bit? But eeeek, I can’t compare obviously. 😂 I wasn’t into vampires as a youngish-humanoid though, so at least I skipped that overdose, right?!

The judging eyes made me laugh! Yes I too have had the experience where the book is best-placed cover down 🙂
I haven’t read this one, and probably won’t as I really did not like the VA… well DNF the first book so probably not a great judge.
PS I LOVE your photos! Stunning.

I'm sad you didn't like it, though. But, to be perfectly honest, this wasn't my favorite book of her's either. I've read all of Mead's work, and so far the Vampire Academy series is the best. It's even better than it's spin-off series, Bloodlines (even though I love those, too).

The biggest problem I had was that it wasn't believable. Like, the way VA is written, I could believe that there is a school of badass vampire's living two hours away from me (I'm in Helena, MT and it takes place just outside of Missoula). But, with The Glittering Court, I had a hard time believing any of it. There is a delicate artistry to fantasy writing, and this one just didn't hit it. WHAT THE HELL WAS WITH THE COWBOY MEETS SELECTION BUSINESS?!? Ugh… I might have ripped my hair out a bit at that point.

While I did like it overall, because some thing were yay and others were nay, but the yay was more abundant – like, female friendship all the way.. until Adelaide decided Cedric was more important *grumbles*.

I hope to see you try the VA series, even if timidly XD They're much better than this was, at least in my opinion.

I WAS SO CONFUSED! I don’t see how you can call something a fantasy novel, especially the way it was marketed as a fantasy novel, when it’s basically California Gold Rush meets Selection. I was fine up until they got on the ships – that’s when it lost me, for the most part. I think I would have swallowed it easier if it was only one historical focus, rather than jumping all over the place into marriage, society, colonialism, expansionism, and the gold. It was too much paint on a weak canvas. It was bound to fall apart at some point.

All I really wanted was to see Rose and Dimitri charge in on horse back and save the day! Hahaha <3 They're my favorite ship, at least one of them, of all time. I ship too many to ever pick just one… but, they're definitely up there. And badass.

Never watch the movie unless you want to see everything you love and hold dear forsaken. It's up there with the Percy Jackson adaptations in my mind. D :

As a hardcore fan of the series, I highly suggest not watching the film. It has its moments, the “ehhh fine, I can live with it” moments – but most of it is awful. It was so disappointing. I think the problem was that they transformed it into this petty, high school cat fight sort of thing – they completely disregarded the underlying themes of the novel which really start coming into play in the second book. On the bright side, Rose and Christian were spot on character/acting wise – so that’s a plus. Its the sort of movie you have to watch when you have nothing else to watch. Oh well XD

Yesss there should always be more glitter. I’ve never heard of this book before, so I can’t say anything about that, but ALWAYS GLITTER. And it really would make a good weapon, but it can double as a celebration tool. Win-win!

Actually though, the cult religion sounds really interesting. Not in a love interest, but I like learning about cults and religions, so I’d actually like to hear about that. And I’m not sure how I’d feel about the genre mashup. I feel like if it was world builded really well and made sense I’d love it, because I love reading about how made-up worlds work and all that, but if it wasn’t it sounds like it’d just be really confusing.

Hey Cait! Loved the review! I just recently purchased this book (had to get it shipped from Australia to Wales 🙁 Prices were ridiculous for shipping, but I couldn’t find a bookstore here that had it) and I completely feel you. Totally a slow, boring book for the first half, and then it takes all these weird… like… plot turns??? Idk, but when I read your review, it just summed everything up that I felt about this book. I really hope that the sequel (pretty sure it’s going to ACTUALLY have glitter) is way better. Keep up the good work, and I’m looking forward to more of your reviews!!! 😀

Awk that must be SUPER disappointing for you to have spent all that money on it and disliked it. *cries with you* Good on you for going for the sequel though! 😂 I’m staying away probably heeh.
AND THANK YOU!! I’m so glad you like my reviews!

Tbh, that book sounds rather awful. Won’t be reading it. Also, yes, that cover-gaze is intense.

(oh, and ten steps up the evilness scale from glitter? ……….GLITTER GLUE! It gets everywhere. Double nasty points when the child feels the glue isn’t coming out fast enough and manages to remove the top and sludge glittery sticky stuff across the entire table…….. *nightmare*)

Welp, I’ve never read The Selection, because of…reasons…and I’ve only read one Richelle Mead book (Gameboard of the Gods) and it did NOT win me over to her fandom. I was curious about this one initially because it sounded like a ‘me’ book and the first few reviews I read were positive. But then the reviews that followed were NOT so positive. Much like your, people seem confused with this one. It’s called fantasy but there are no real fantasy elements. Whaaa?! From your thoughts on the MCs decision making process AND the lack of fantasy, I do believe that I shall skip this one altogether. No Glitter?! WHAT. EVEN. XD

I feel like it’s called “fantasy” because no one has a single clue on WHERE to put it otherwise. 😂 Omg, it’s far too messy, imo. Gah. But sorry for turning you off it! Like I don’t like to say “never read this book!” but it’s still not one I really recommend. I can’t actually think of a single part I was a fan of…#mybad

I loved Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy books although I don’t think it really needed six books. They get better as you go along though. The second one is forever my favourite though because #snow #winter

I’m looking forward to the Glittering Court, although now I know a bit more about it, I’m a bit iffy. I’m angry with Soundless. (I haven’t read it but I accidentally-on-purpose read the spoilers and I IS UPSET!) So that kind of put me off Mead a little. I’ll still read it though, because maybe I’ll like it? So I’m iffy about Glittering Court because A) Being sold is not ok and that kind of concept makes me uncomfortable B) Cults make me uncomfortable and C) I like genre mash-ups but it needs to be clearly defined in itself and the worldbuilding has to be seamless.

Also, are you doing Armchair BEA on the blog? For everyone who can’t go to BEA!

I totally do at least need to TRY the Vampire Academy books, I think?! Before I make a definite opinion on Richelle Mead books anyway, heheh. 😂

But yeeeeah. Soundless was super problematic and kind of offensive, honestly? I think one needs to be more careful and well-informed when writing about disabilities. *shrugs* Plus in The Glitter Court, the whole ‘selling/buying’ of wives honestly seems like prostitution nearly and eek. I’m not happy with SO many elements of the story. If people were fighting against it, it would make a difference. But they WEREN’T. *rages*

I’m not doing Armchair BEA at this point. ;D but I look forward to reading everyone’s posts!

THIS BOOK COVER LOOKED SO PRETTY IN MY FEED but now I definitely don’t want to read it.
REPEAT AFTER ME, CHILDREN:
1. There are non-sexist ways to write historically accurate novels.
2. There are non-sexist ways to write historically accurate novels.
3. There are non-sexist ways to write historically accurate novels.
Like you said, Adelaide could have fought against it. And in the Medieval Era/Dark Ages (the period most high fantasy worlds seem to resemble most), women had close to no rights. But high fantasy authors still find ways to make sure that all genders are equal in their novels….so I’m a bit confused as to why that was impossible here?? And it seems to kind of romanticize being sold as a sex slave/forced marriages (even if that wasn’t 100% completely what was happening to Adelaide).
(I obviously didn’t read the entire comments section so I probably just restated what everyone else already said but this is IMPORTANT and so I say it anyway.)
I frown upon this book.

BAHAHHAH. YES. 😂 And at least have the female heroine STAND UP for themselves?! Instead of just accepting the sexism? Like, sure it can be historically accurate to have sexist fantasy worlds, but it’s very disturbing when everyone is okay with it. And YES. The whole “being sold into marriage” was a little bit too much like permanent prostitution????? So befuddled how this book exists, actually. 😂

I’m starting to think Richelle Mead just isn’t that good of a fantasy writer. Soundless wasn’t great wither, but Vampire Academy and Bloodlines were great! (Well, the last few Bloodlines books were meh. Is her writing just getting worse over time?) I really hope she goes back to paranormal romance because so far that’s what she does best from what I’ve read.

Aww boy, this sounds like a rollercoaster off the tracks. I’m still curious to read it but I’m not particularly enthused to do so. I’m trying to motivate myself to read some of her others books first but, to be honest, my expectations aren’t all that high because I’ve just seen so many “meh” reviews.

I particularly loved, “I accidentally forgot to ship them because I didn’t care.”, haha perfect! And YES glitter should be a weapon of mass confusion. You could fill a leaf blower with glitter and then chase after people coating them in it. That would be fabulous. Great review!

That is a perfect descriptor for it, tbh. *sighs heavily* I haven’t seen a lot of buzz for it so far? But either people ADORE it or are entirely confused. 😂 So I guess it’s one of those ones readers will either wildly love or hate?
OMG BUT BAHAHA, I’m glad you liked my review anyway. 😂 Also leaf blower of glitter = INGENIOUS AND SCARY. Please be on my team in the apocalypse. WE’LL GLITTERFY ALL ZOMBIES AND SURVIVE FABULOUSLY.

Yeahhhh, now I am happy that I didn’t request this, and have never really had an interest in reading it. I haven’t seen a lot of positive things about it, which reminds me of Soundless, which I was not a fan of at all.

I LOVED the Vampire Academy series, and the books that I have read in the spin-off series (the name has escaped me at this point in time). So I do recommend them! But it kind of seems like … her latest books aren’t really on par with the fabulousness that is Vampire Academy and Bloodlines (there! I remembered it).

To be honest, this book doesn’t really sound like something I would like. I CAN be a fan of genre benders, but they have to be pretty fantastic. And the sexism in this book just puts me off 100%.

*whispers* Actually, honestly, I didn’t request it…it was a surprise ARC. I kind of had a feeling it wouldn’t be my thing?! BUT AH WELL. At least I know for sure now 😂 Soundless was waaaay too problematic for me. Especially with “Fixing” the disabled protagonist before she could have her adventure. I mean. Wut. and NO. Ahem. And I kiiiiind of do plan to at least TRY the Vampire Academy books. 😂 EVENTUALLY. WHEN I GET BRAVE ENOUGH.

Great review! the book would’ve been interesting with glitter bombs haha. Yeah the romanticisation of colonialism and women being sold off and savages pissed me off, especially since the characters don’t stand up against it.

yup when I read your review in GR I was like… “Oh one of THOSE”. one of those books that everyone loves but you don’t. You are the minority. Like me with Mortal Instruments. I just posted my not-so-good review. [I KNOW YOU ARE A BIG FAN so pretty please don’t ban me from your blog Cait!! :)] . I think minorities are awesome. 🙂 you crack me up with the intense judging eyes! LOL. So talking about the cover I DO HAVE TO COMPLAIN, THOUGH. Here it goes… MAN.. why do you have to post such cool pics??
This is me reading your posts.. ” expected to enjoy The Glittering Court. Unfortunately” of apparently Cait didn’t like it because oh oh oh look at that peacock feather, Daniela back to the review! where was I oh.. Cait didn’t like “It also didn’t feel very YA” so let’s see why.. oh oh oh look at those beautiful branches.
I can’t concentrate on what you are saying!!. [I’m like Nemo’s Dory. :)] That’s why I’ll keep reading your GR reviews first 😉

AHHH YES I AM A BIG MORTAL INSTRUMENTS FAN AND CAN REALLY ON SCREECH MY LOVE FOR IT. 😂 hehe But YES = nothing wrong with a minority opinion ;D It makes life a bit interesting, right?! hehe
Anyway. YES. I APOLOGISE FOR ALL THE PHOTOS. HOW DARE I, TRULY? It’s much more fun to look at pictures instead of reading anyway. 😂 😂
BTW YOU’RE HILARIOUS AND WONDERFUL.

AWWWW Thanks! you are super wonderful too. 🙂 I’m a big fan. Talking about fans… I think we need to alphabetize your comments in tabs! I took me forever to find my comment to respond. girl your are popular! good for you 🙂

*deep sigh* This book was disappointing to me as well. I agree about Adelaide, who annoyed me to no end. She doesn’t want an arranged marriage but is fine being sold to a stranger to be his wife. Um … what?! If she tried to explain the logic behind this, it didn’t convince me. Then she tried to be “bad” at finishing lady school which could mean she’s be sold to some guy with only pennies to bid on her and would spend her life scrubbing clothes in a river or something? She was really kind of a dimwit.
I think the book wanted to make a point about the way that women and indigenous people and people who were the “wrong” religion were treated in colonial America, but the message got muddled in all the talk of jewel-toned dresses and gold mining. None of it made any sense to me. But … you should really try the VA books. I’m not really a vampire book fan, but I cannot help but admire some of the amazing characters she created, the fabulous friendship between Rose and Lissa, the romance, and the jaw-dropping plot twists.

I know right?!? SO CONFUSED. I literally have no idea what Adelaide was trying to accomplish and how she survived if she was honestly that DENSE. It was a bit of a worry tbh. 😂

And I suppose it WAS making a commentary on racism and sexism *nods* but I definitely agree with you that it got lost/muddled in the bewildering rest of the story. Also I STILL don’t get how the Scots ended up in Colonial America. I AM SO BEFUDDLED WITH THE WHOLE THING.

I kind of do (tentatively!) plan to try VA! Before I quite on Richelle Mead altogether anyway hehe.

Whoa, what an amazing bookish photoshoot! Lmao, I honestly felt the same way about this book, even though I haven’t read it. Oops? I was tempted to snag an ARC but I heard so many people calling the MC names, I’ve avoided it since. Doesn’t the cover look like J-Law, btw?? Wait, SOLD to rich husbands?? Ew, I didn’t hear that. These Vicious Masks faces a similar situation. Definite pass, prob. Thanks for the review, Cait!

You pretty much didn’t miss anything by skipping it. 😂 hehe. AND YES SOLD TO RICH HUSBANDS. How is that not almost prostitution??!? and no one even really fought against it, it was all just “eh this is how it is”. So #disturbed. :/

Yes I am a fan of Miss Mead’s Vampire Academy as well as Bloodlines series. I was surprised about you review of Glittering Court because I was hoping to read this soon. That is confusing based on how you told it. But will still see for myself. Read Vampire Academy! You’ll love Rose.

Yikes, I had a feeling this wouldn’t be very good but I love Richelle Mead so much that I hoped I was wrong! I just don’t know whether this premise would work for me, at all. Great, respectful review!!

Hahaha I’ve actually heard that there’s some online service where you can literally mail someone an envelope full of glitter, so when they *unknowingly* open it the glitter explodes everywhere (I hear you can even choose the color). So you can send glitter to your enemies, basically, and make them spend 10,000 hours cleaning it up.

That aside, I’m pretty bummed that I’ve consistently seen people underwhelmed by this book. I am ALL ABOUT GLITTER and love a good period drama, but I find it depressing that so many books about royalty/lush aristocracy life tend to lack so much plot.

“I had to turn it over when I wasn’t reading because she was JUDGING ME.” LOL. While Mead’s Vampire Academy series is one of my favorites I really disliked Soundless and was hoping this new series would be an improvement. But it doesn’t sound like it… Wild West? D: So odd.

Also, I think spies should use glitter for those tracking devices they’re always trying to hide in bad guy’s collars and such. You could track someone for YEARS if you could find a way to track the glitter. Seriously, put it in their car? You’ve got their number.

That’s it, I’m writing a new cozy mystery where the protagonist is crafty.